“Western Aid New Colonialism”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29130, 16 February 1960, Page 15

“Western Aid New Colonialism”

(Rec. 11 p.m.) BHILAI (Central India), February 15. The Soviet Prime Minister (Mr Khrushchev) said today that Western assistance to under-developed countries was the “weapon of the new colonial policy as a means for securing the interests of monopoly capital and defending the political divisions of the world into hostile groupings.”

He told a mass meeting of steel plant workers at Bhilai: “We prefer to render real assistance so that each country which has set itself free from the domination of colonialism can in a short time develop its economy and produce the goods it needs.” Capitalist countries were aiding India so as not to be deprived of markets. “We as Socialists are free of such desires,” he said. “We are willing to trade with all nations. We are not afraid of competition. But we want to strengthen you and build your independence in the interests of our country and of yours.” Thousands of people welcomed Mr Khrushchev yesterday on his arrival at the airport at Rhaipur and at Bhilai. More than 800 Russians are working at Bhilai, 195 operating the plant and the others construction workers.

In a speech at a banquet in Bhilai last night Mr Khrushchev said he would welcome India becoming one of the Socialist states.

He said the capitalist countries said he was seeking the souls of India, Burma, and Indonesia. “I have every right to do so. Maybe they say I am here to make propaganda, but what am I to do? . “I am a Communist. I am a chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union and secretary of the party,” Mr Khrushchev said. Mr Khrushchev said: “Socialist countries are overtaking capitalist countries and they are afraid and fighting back.” He mentioned

Western aid to India and Indonesia as examples. He said that in its fright the West was giving two roubles aid for every one rouble that Russia gave. “That’s fine. We will, go on giving one; let them give two for every one of ours,” he said. “Let them give you capital if they want. Let them return in some small measure the wealth they plundered from your country,” he said. He will fly to Calcutta to spend the night there before flying to Rangoon tomorrow for his visit to Burma. A joint communique on his talks with the Indian Prime Minister (Mr Nehru) is expected to be issued in New Delhi before the Soviet leader leaves Calcutta.